“How-to…” of HofArc Airstream Renovations
Thank you for considering a vintage Airstream renovation by HofArc. We believe that renovating a vintage Airstream should be a creative and enjoyable experience – we love it and that’s why we’re 
doing it! Our goal is to help you love it, too. Here’s a quick look at the process to help answer some basic questions.
See you down the road,
Matthew & Wally Hofmann
EXPERIENCE & INTEGRITY
Hofmann Architecture (HofArc) renovations are based on techniques learned from dozens of Airstream renovations. We are a family-owned and operated California-licensed Architectural firm that specializes in vintage Airstream design and renovation. We’ll design a beautiful space that fits your good taste and lifestyle. We’ll create something that will be fun to experience for years to come, and has true lasting value.
There’s an unmistakeable joy that comes with experiencing life with all its raw adventure and natural beauty. We think you’ll agree that a world view through the windows of a vintage Airstream is an amazing place to be.
We take great pride in the quality work our staff puts into every Airstream renovation, and it will be our privilege to be a part of something that provides you with a lifetime of satisfaction.
First and foremost, we know Airstreams. We’ve dealt with every phase of Airstream renovation work with our own hands. Both of us have lived in an Airstream for more than a year. We’ve used them as our mobile offices and for taking vacations.
RENOVATIONS
We realize that everyone has different tastes and budgets, which is why our Airstream renovations offer a wide range of options. Ultimately the project budget will depend on your what goes into it. Click here for 3 renovation options.
We are a time and materials shop – which means the renovation price depends on the products and labor to install it. As early as possible, it’s helpful if you have a budget in mind. Our typical. Your desires and decisions will guide the true cost.
Here are the steps in the renovation process:
1) Acquisition & Delivery to HofArc
2) Inspection
3) Design
4) Construction
5) Completion & Delivery to Client
1) ACQUISITION & DELIVERY TO HOFARC
Our services include advising you on just the right Airstream for you to purchase. Talk to us about your requirements and we’ll make a recommendation. We have seen literally hundreds of Airstreams over the years and we know the market. We’ll help you make a smart buy.
Once you’ve purchased an Airstream, or if you already own one, then it’s time to coordinate delivery to HofArc’s Santa Barbara office and work yard. We can help setup delivery. We can also recommend a bonded/insured who will ship your Airstream to us from anywhere in the country.
2) INSPECTION
Before any renovation work begins a licensed mechanic will inspect your Airstream to determine what it needs, starting with the drive train (axles, tires, bearings, brakes), hitch, chassis, and the exterior lighting systems. All recommended drive system work is handled by a certified RV shop who provides a free quotation of any work that is needed. We are not mechanics, and we do not markup this work. You approve the work and pay the RV mechanic directly. This process typically takes about two weeks. Most importantly, you will have an Airstream that’s going to operate to the best of its potential.
3) DESIGN
Now the fun begins. We set up a design meeting to determine your dreams, your goals, and your requirements. We will ask lots of questions about how you want to use your Airstream. Is it for adventure and recreational off-the-grid use or will you be plugged into RV park power, water and sewer? Will it be used as a guest house or spare office on your property? Is it a mobile display or service vehicle? We’ll discuss specific options, designs and make recommendations.
Soon thereafter, we’ll provide you with a floor plan and list of finishes, systems and appliance upgrades that can be installed. You’ll get your choice of many fabrics, colors and tile options. The three options, below, describe the budget ranges and basic systems and services that are available.
Our design services include floor plans, elevations, 3D flythroughs, spec sheets, along with materials and finish options.
If you’re not able to meet at our office in Santa Barbara (and who wouldn’t want to visit Santa Barbara?!?) we can set up a Skype session or phone conference. Here’s a cool idea: Why not stay with us at the all new Santa Barbara Auto Camp? Ask about a “Special HofArc Rate.”
Following this meeting we will prepare a detailed proposal with anticipated costs and timeline. The proposal includes a list of expected material and labor costs.
We also provide exterior polishing and minor body repairs are included. Exterior painting services are handled by a local auto paint shop we recommend.
4) CONSTRUCTION
Our typical Airstream renovations take from two to six months depending on the decisions you make. During the renovation process we provide clients with detailed bi-weekly invoices with digital copies of all receipts and labor for the two-week billing period. We will also provide you with a Schedule of Fees.
We will keep you updated on renovation progress throughout the project with photos and video of your Airstream. You are also welcome to visit our work yard. Materials, finishes and systems are all custom-tailored to your requirements. Many of these decisions can be made during the construction process.
5) COMPLETION, INSPECTION & DELIVERY TO CLIENT
We want you to be 100% satisfied with your renovated HofArc Airstream. To insure this happens, before you take delivery or pickup your renovated Airstream we want to be certain it’s been prepared just the way you want it. We’ll go over each of the renovated components, systems and appliances. We’ll open and close the doors. Turn on and off all faucets. Switch on and off all lights. Turn on the heating and air conditioning. You’ll know you’ve made a wise choice to work with HofArc.
The final step is delivery will be scheduled to your location, again using one of our bonded and licensed shippers to anywhere in the world. We’ve locations throughout the US, and have coordinated delivery to Australia, Japan and Great Britain. Ask us for a quote on shipping rates.
Let the adventure begin.
